Early Voting begins Monday in the November 6 General Election, with candidates casting ballots for President, one of the state's two seats in the United States Senate, as well as various federal, state and local races.
Voters in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas will have their say in several national level races. Congressional districts on the ballot include the race for Congressional District 14. The four-candidate race includes Republican Randy Weber, Democrat Nick Lampson, Libertarian Zach Grady and Green Party candidate Rhett Rosenquist Smith. The seat represents portions of Galveston, Brazoria and Jefferson counties. Ron Paul, who currently represents the district did not seek reelection.
State races include State Senator for District 6 in Harris County which was held by Democratic incumbent Mario Gallegos, Jr. who passed away on October 16. Should voters choose Gallegos over Republican challenger R.W. Bray, a special election will be called to fill the seat.
State Representative Larry Taylor is running for the State Senate seat for District 11, which represents portions of Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties. Taylor is facing a challenge from Democrat Jacqueline Acquistaspace.
In Brazoria County, County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Donald “Dude” Payne faces two challengers. Democrat Cathy Bettoney and Libertarian Harold M. Doty are on the ballot for the Republican incumbent's seat. Brazoria County Races
In Fort Bend County, Republican Troy E. Nelhs and Democrat Michael Ellison will compete for election as Sheriff. County Commissioner Precinct 1 will be a contest between Republican Bruce Fleming and Democrat Richard Morrison. Fort Bend County Races
Galveston County voters will decide county level and local races.
Republican John Kinard and Democrat Latonia Wilson competing for the District Clerk seat, which was held by Jason Murray, who resigned in earlier this year.
Republican Henry Trochesset and Democrat John Pruitt are running to replace Freddie Poor, who did not seek another term.
League City will hold its city council election in November, with contested races for the three positions on the ballot. Incumbent Mick Phalen is competing with Heidi Thiess for re-election to Position 3. John Babcock, Todd Kinsey and Jay Frederick Ewend have all filed for Position 4, and incumbent Phyllis Sandborn is facing a challenge from Geri Bentley for her seat in Position 5. David Hake is also a candidate in Position 5, but has withdrawn from the election.
The city has also put forward seven ballot propositions, including proposals to move to biennial elections on even-numbered years by extending council terms to four years, and to prohibit the further use of red light traffic cameras. Galveston County Races
Harris County has multiple races, including a three-way race for Sheriff, with Republican Louis Guthrie and Green Party candidate Remington Alessi challenging incumbent Democrat Adrian Garcia.
The county will also hold a three-way race for County Tax Assessor-Collector, with current Houston City Council member and Republican Mike Sullivan and Libertarian Jesse Hopson running against Democrat Ann Harris Bennett.
Appointed Precinct 4 County Commissioner R. Jack Cagle will seek election to a full term in office. The Republican faces challenge from Democrat Sean Hammerle.
Local items on the Harris County ballot include a special election to fill Sullivan's seat in District E on the Houston City Council. David Martin, Elizabeth Perez and Lonnie W. Allsbrooks are on the ballot.
Voters will also get to decide two charter amendments and five propositions related to a total $410 million bond issue.
Other bond issues on the ballot include a $1.89 billion referendum from Houston Independent School District and a $425 million proposal from Houston Community College.
Voters will also decide on continuing the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County's General Mobility Program. Harris County Races
Jefferson County has few contested races. Republican J. Shane Howard will face Democrat Thomas Sigee for the county's Tax Assessor-Collector seat. Jefferson County Races
Early Voting Times and Locations:
Brazoria County
Fort Bend County
Galveston County
Harris County
Jefferson County